Neighbors told Carlin that they believe the system was installed sometime over the summer. That is when they noticed a copper pipe and rubber tubing along the awning and extending down the rest of the block on East 12th Street.

“First of all, we need an apology to the homeless community right now,” Moore said.

Strand’s manager refused to offer an apology, but said that the sprinklers were installed to keep the sidewalks clean.

“We’re not evicting, we’re not evicting the homeless,” the store’s manager said.

Neighbors said that the sprinkler warning signs came down a week ago and that the sprinklers have been off since. Some residents want them turned back on.

“I love it because the homeless aren’t here,” one man said. “I feel for the homeless, but not living underneath this.”

It remains unclear if the area under the awnings will stay dry long enough for the homeless to return.